Three trades the Portland Trail Blazers could make at the deadline
By Jack Rieger
Evan Fournier and Shelvin Mack
The Blazers acquire Evan Fournier and Shelvin Mack for Maurice Harkless, Aminu, Shabazz Napier and a first-round pick.
Fournier is exactly what the Blazers need offensively. He’s a 6’7″ small forward shooting just under 40 percent from three and scoring 26.1 points per 100 possessions.
Fournier plays like a less-refined version of Manu Ginobili, flashing well-timed cuts to the basket, a crafty combination of floaters and eurosteps and a confident jumper.
Evan Fournier with 21 points on the night. It's the 15th time this season that he's posted 20+ points.#NBAVote https://t.co/aqivhtub2Z
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 11, 2018
Alongside Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, Fournier would create terrific floor spacing and the Blazers would flaunt a dangerous three-man attack.
As always, there is downside. The Blazers would need to give up their 2018 first-round pick; that’s the price of locking down a 25-year-old scorer until 2021. Also, Fournier’s career defensive rating of 111 isn’t going to intimidate Western Conference opponents.
Still, if the Blazers have the ability to make this trade, it’s a no brainer.